Jaime’s (Anwen O’Driscoll) world is turned upside down when her father passes away. Suddenly, she’s whisked away to a charming coastal town in Canada to live with her aunt and uncle. But the idyllic scenery can’t quell the turmoil inside of her. As a non-believer and a lesbian, Jaime feels like a fish out of water in the close-knit Jehovah’s Witness community. To make matters worse, her family pressures her to attend religious services, intensifying her sense of isolation.
At the church gathering, Jaime’s gaze falls upon Marike (June Laporte), the minister’s daughter, whose warm smile and laid-back demeanor instantly puts Jaime at ease. They quickly click, bonding over shared interests and passions that make them feel alive. Despite societal and religious pressures, their attraction grows stronger as they explore their faith together, spreading their message and feelings for each other with equal fervor. As their relationship deepens, they find strength in each other’s love, navigating the complexities and challenges of their situation with grace and fierce determination.
Mark Slutsky and Sarah Watts co-wrote and direct an emotionally charged debut film that follows the love story of Jaime and Marike. In this poignant tale, Marike’s experiences growing up as a gay Jehovah’s Witness inform the nuanced storytelling. The romantic tension between the two protagonists builds gradually, with stolen glances and fleeting touches that make their chemistry all the more potent. In the film, set in the 1990s, the uncertainty of first love and the nervous energy of queer desire is palpable. Jaime and Marike’s intense attraction to each other is at once exhilarating and agonizing, drawing viewers into the intricacies of their relationship.
Slutsky and Watts intricately explore the complications of love and faith. The film depicts the forbidden affair between Marike and Jaime and the disapproval of the community and Marike’s own sister. However, the true heart of the film lies in Marike’s unwavering belief that she and Jaime will be together forever in the new system of things, despite the imminent Armageddon. This creates a powerful conflict between her faith and love, which is present throughout the film. The film is not just about the struggle between love and faith, it’s a powerful critique of the dangers of closed-mindedness, indoctrination, and the cultures of fear and isolation that exist within certain religious communities. Slutsky and Watts handle these themes with empathy, never criticizing the characters for their convictions but rather exploring how these convictions can shape and sometimes hinder personal growth and self-discovery.
Jehovah’s Witnesses have long been a religious group shrouded in mystery and misunderstanding, with very few films daring to delve into the intricacies of their belief system. You Can Live Forever is a rare gem that offers a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of the sect’s members. Through its exploration of the lives of those who were born into the religion and those who have chosen to join as adults, the film illuminates the complexities of religious belief and its impact on individual lives. With an understated and unassuming approach, the film provides a candid depiction of the authoritarian nature of the sect’s strict rules and regulations, which can create a closed-off and insular environment. But it does so with sensitivity and compassion, acknowledging the struggles faced by those within the faith.
In the film, Marike is torn between her faith and her sexuality, leading to devastating consequences. Laporte gives a heart-wrenching performance, capturing the cognitive dissonance that comes with questioning one’s beliefs while also maintaining the sincerity of Marike’s faith. Her portrayal accurately depicts the emotional toll of grappling with spiritual pressure. O’Driscoll brings a subtle nuance to the character of Jaime; her dynamic performance avoids stereotypical ’90s signifiers and instead reveals the character’s depth of feeling and frustration. O’Driscoll’s performance is sensitive and skillful, allowing Jaime’s dimensionality to shine through. Together, Laporte and O’Driscoll create a powerful portrayal of the difficulties of reconciling faith and love.
The connection between Jaime and Marike is the heart of the film, and the chemistry between actors O’Driscoll and Laporte is undeniable. Their struggle to reconcile their faith with their feelings leads to a poignant exploration of the human experience. The actors’ performances are authentic and emotional, making it easy to empathize with their plight and invest in their story. The moments between them are filled with a sense of intensity that captures the impossibility of denying their true selves.
With all this being said, it’s the script of the film, written by Slutsky and Watts, that really stands out. It captures the complexity of human emotions. It deftly avoids clichés and provides authentic, relatable dialogue that stays true to the characters’ experiences. Blending this with the beautiful cinematography done by Gayle Ye and what she does with the color palette, going from muted tones to brighter hues, creates a visual journey that mirrors an emotional one. The film’s score is a mesmerizing addition, flawlessly intertwining delicate synth and majestic piano chords. This harmonious fusion evokes the intense emotions of yearning and melancholy, compelling the audience to be completely absorbed in the film’s profound emotional depth. The outcome is an all-encompassing journey that resonates deeply with the viewer.
You Can Live Forever is a beautifully crafted cinematic exploration of the universal human themes of identity, desire, and the search for belonging. Against the backdrop of a conformist community, the film boldly portrays the struggles of those who dare to be different and forge their own path. With a standout lead performance and a resonant message, this film is a powerful and inspiring work of art that is not to be missed.
You Can Live Forever is currently playing in select theaters and is available On Demand courtesy of Good Deed Entertainment.
You Can Live Forever is a beautifully crafted cinematic exploration of the universal human themes of identity, desire, and the search for belonging.
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GVN Rating 9
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It all started when I was a kid watching Saturday morning cartoons like the Spider-Man: Animated Series and Batman. Since then I’ve been hooked to the world of pop culture. Huge movie lover from French New Wave, to the latest blockbusters, I love them all. Huge Star Wars and Marvel geek. When I’m free from typing away at my computer, you can usually catch me watching a good flick or reading the next best comic. Come geek out with me on Twitter @somedudecody.